Bishop Shelton J. Fabre released the list along with a letter expressing his and the diocese’s apologies for the victims impacted.

Author:
WWL Staff

Published:
12:39 PM CST January 11, 2019

Updated:
7:17 PM CST January 11, 2019

NEW ORLEANS — The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux released a list of priests Friday afternoon with a credible allegation of child sexual abuse since the start of the diocese in 1977.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre released the list along with a letter expressing his and the diocese’s apologies for the victims impacted.

“Let me be clear: the abuse of a child by anyone is sinful, abhorrent and evil, particularly when perpetrated by one vested with the sacred trust of God’s children. Furthermore, any attempt to cover up these sins is even more disturbing. I apologize to all who have been harmed. It is with deep respect and profound reverence that I humbly extend this apology,” Fabre wrote in part.

Fabre notes that no priest in current active ministry in the diocese is on the list.

Francis de Sales in Houma, Saint Hilary in Mathews, and Saint Joseph in Chauvin

Fabre said that he made the decision to give the Diocesan Lay Review Board the authority to determine whether the allegations had evidence of credibility and were substantiated.

Fabre wrote that victims who have been abused by a priest are invited to come forward and speak to the Diocese’s victim’s assistance coordinator and licensed professional psychologist, Sister Carmelita Centanni. She can be reached at 985.850.3172 or by email at ccentanni@htdiocese.org.

“We are committed, now more than ever, to walking with you toward healing,” Fabre wrote in part.

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